Gardens open for a cancer fundraiser

TERESA Sannazzaro stands in front of a new addition to their extensive gardens.

Spend this Sunday at the lush Marangai Gardens, listening to music, relaxing under a natural canopy and browsing market stalls, all to raise funds to help those suffering from cancer.

Teresa Sannazzaro and her husband Paddy have transformed their old villa and land - formerly a blank canvas - into something spectacular, a home and garden straight out of a magazine.

They hosted their first fundraising tour in 2015 and raised $7000 for Levin Cancer Society and breast cancer support group Horowhenua Pink Ladies.

Since then their gardens have been developed further into a venue showcasing the couple's style.

All four of their children have chosen to get married there.

Together the pair say they have created a paradise, a maze of pebble paths edged in green leading to lush places for relaxation.

They brought their home 25 years ago, and have slowly transformed it into what it is today.

Mrs Sannazzaro follows in her grandmother's footsteps. Her grandmother also opened her home and garden for regular Plunket fundraisers.

"I've found something I really love to do, and I want to share that with people."

This year, with the help of their children, the couple hope to raise more than $7000.

"I want people to come into my garden and feel my soul," said Mrs Sannazzaro.

The decision to host a garden tour fundraiser began in 2015 when she ran the first tour.

It was a huge hit that packed out her home and gardens and their fundraising goal of $4000 was easily surpassed.

"This is a cause I can passionately pair with my garden," said Mrs Sannazzaro.

Marangai Gardens is an immaculate maze of pebble paths and creative installations, spots that draw you in to relax and linger, created at the Levin home of Paddy and Teresa Sannazzaro.

On Sunday the gardens will echo with music from local artists and buzz with stalls of plants, flower bouquets, chutneys, collectibles, vegetables, furniture, art, jewellery, candles, wind chimes and much more.

The Sannazzaros invite you to Marangai Gardens, 95 Gladstone Rd, Levin. Tickets are limited to 400 and must be pre-purchased.

The gardens will open at 10am and the day will continue until 4pm, with $10 tickets avalible at Flowers By Belinda, Oxford St.